Linda Atkinson
Licensed professional alcohol and drug counselor
Chattahoochee,FL
Summary
Proactive and versatile professional with a dedication to quickly adapting to new challenges. Strong problem-solving abilities and a proven track record of fostering strong relationships with clients and team members. Focused on supporting team success and achieving positive results. Results-driven individual with a solid track record in delivering quality work. Known for excellent communication and teamwork abilities, with a commitment to achieving company goals and delivering exceptional service. Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Professional Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Glory House
Sioux Falls
03.1996 - 06.2015
- Developed referral process to assist client access to special programs and services.
- Delivered presentations at conferences related to advances in the field of drug and alcohol counseling.
- Actively participated in quality assurance activities such as audits and reviews of service delivery standards.
- Organized treatment projects that focused on problem solving skills and creative thinking.
- Guided clients in developing skills or strategies for dealing with problems.
- Educated patients on detox and withdrawal, medications, addiction, recovery, coping skills, and community resources.
- Provided individual and group counseling to clients struggling with substance abuse.
- Supported and counseled clients with drug and alcohol addiction.
- Conducted assessments to identify mental health issues related to substance use disorder.
- Assisted in developing treatment plans tailored to the needs of each client.
- Completed comprehensive assessments of clients' substance abuse history and treatment requirements to develop individualized treatment plans.
- Promoted awareness about drug and alcohol abuse among community members through outreach programs.
- Worked closely with drug court staff in designing treatment plans specific to client needs.
- Attended professional development workshops related to addictions counseling techniques.
- Educated families about addiction and its effects on their loved ones.
- Led supportive group discussions and education sessions with alcohol and drug users and families.
- Participated in clinical team meetings and provided feedback on cases discussed.
- Facilitated psychoeducational classes on addiction and recovery topics.
- Discussed with offenders how such issues as drug and alcohol abuse and anger management problems might have played roles in past criminal behavior
- Maintained comprehensive case records, progress notes and evaluations for each client.
- Advised clients on healthy coping skills to manage triggers or cravings associated with substance abuse.
- Identified problem areas impacting participants' ability to successfully complete treatment.
- Coordinated referrals to additional resources such as housing, employment, legal aid.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed by clients who are at risk of relapsing into active addiction.
- Developed client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience and client histories.
- Conducted individual and group therapy sessions for outpatient clients.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to coordinate services for clients.
- Developed strategies for relapse prevention and long-term recovery goals.
- Identified treatment goals based on individual diagnosis and history.
- Counseled family members on how they can best support their addicted loved one's recovery process.
- Monitored clients' progress throughout the course of treatment plan implementation.
- Organized support groups for individuals in early stages of recovery from addiction.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
Associate Director
Glory House Services
Sioux Falls
03.1992 - 06.2015
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Monitored industry trends to recommend actionable strategies.
- Created and enforced processes to boost company productivity.
- Developed training programs for existing staff members as well as new hires.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff members to review progress on goals and objectives.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure favorable terms and pricing.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Addiction Counseling
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SDSkills
- Crisis intervention
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Substance abuse assessment
- Treatment planning
- Community outreach
- Client education
- Relapse prevention
- Collaborative teamwork
- Family counseling
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Conflict resolution
- Customer service
- Professional development
- Substance abuse education
- Peer collaboration
- Family therapy
- Recovery support
- Referral coordination
- Boundaries establishment
- Empathy development
- Multicultural competence
- Behavior modification
- Recovery support services
- Co-occurring disorders
- Assessment skills
- Client advocacy
- Motivational interviewing
- Client evaluation
- Clinical supervision
- Community resources
- Crisis management
- Defining treatment objectives
- Life skills training
- Community engagement
- Clinical assessment
- Clinical documentation
- Resource networking
- Substance detoxification
- Individual therapy
- Goal setting
- Addiction assessment
- Substance use screening
- Providing community referrals
- Testing specimens
- Case management
- Anger management
- Communication techniques
- Therapeutic alliance
- Self-care promotion
- 12-step programs
- Outreach activities
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Continuing care planning
- Client confidentiality
- Behavioral modification
- Aftercare planning
- Interpersonal skills
- Confidentiality maintenance
- Team collaboration
Affiliations
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at the Glory House, excelling in strategic leadership and crisis management. Adept at program development and staff training. I foster team collaboration to enhance organizational effectiveness. Committed to driving results through analytical thinking and effective decision making, ensuring optimal service delivery and stakeholder engagement
I believe it is important in any job to find an outlet to stress, especially dealing with this population of people.
During my working years, i liked gardening camping fishing and working out. Now in retirement i like to do most of these things, but my working out is spent shelling on the beaches instead of the gym. I also do some painting.
I thought I was done working but life threw me a curve ball and I find I must return to the work force. I can work any hours, days,weekends and holidays. And although I no longer have my license, I am willing to do any job offered to me.
Community outreach
I have worked in the schools with high risk students and their families. I have participated in Drug Court with our clients, judges and referral agents.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Licensed Professional Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Glory House
03.1996 - 06.2015
Associate Director
Glory House Services
03.1992 - 06.2015
Some College (No Degree) - Addiction Counseling
South Dakota State University
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